Somaliland Information Minister Ahmed Yasin Resigns, Says He Was Forced Into “Unfair, Community-Hurting Decision”
Hargeisa, (Hornpost) Somaliland’s Minister of Information, Ahmed Yasin Sheikh Ali, has resigned from President Irro’s administration, citing what he described as an unacceptable attempt to make him the face of a deeply sensitive decision that triggered unrest in Awdal Region.
The minister announced his resignation during a brief press conference held at the ministry headquarters in Hargeisa, almost exactly one year after the government assumed office.
Opening his remarks, Ahmed Yasin delivered a pointed statement:
“Today, I will not be the one to read a decision that brings pain to my own community. It is better for the President to speak for himself.”
He revealed that President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdilahi Irro had instructed him to publicly announce a “harsh decision” relating to the Xeer Ciise book launch controversy — a directive he refused to carry out.
According to the minister, the President eventually read the reversal of that decision himself, a move Ahmed Yasin said left him feeling that his community had been placed in opposition to him unfairly.
The minister explained that he could not continue in a role where he was being positioned as the face of a politically sensitive issue that had already sparked deadly protests in Borama.
He noted that he had been “forced into a difficult and damaging role,” particularly one that appeared to pit the people of Awdal — his home region — against him.
He urged residents of Awdal to remain calm and safeguard their legacy: “I call on my people not to take any action that harms their history or stability. I continue to pray for peace in Somaliland.”
His resignation comes amid growing tension over the controversial Xeer Ciise book launch, which the government initially authorized to be held in Saylac before backlash and protests forced its suspension. The unrest in Borama, which resulted in casualties, has intensified scrutiny over the government’s handling of the issue.
Ahmed Yasin’s exit marks the first cabinet resignation under President Irro’s administration and underscores the political pressure surrounding the Xeer Ciise dispute.
Ahmed Yasin was among the ministers in the Cirro government who the community sees as having political and intellectual weight.
Prepared by:
Hornpost staff Reporter
